Instructors and Employees

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Workplace psychology

Creating a pleasant place to work

The psychological working environment is concerned with relationships
within the workplace. These are known to have a great effect on many
people's physical health and happiness.

Solving physical problems within the workplace is principally a
task for management. But can one expect that management will always
have an answer or a solution to problems of a psychological nature?
The Safety Group believes not. A good psychological work environment
is the responsibility of each individual. If you want to enjoy your
work and look forward to coming into work each day, to an environment
where both you and your colleagues thrive, then you need to actively
contribute.

The Safety Group do not have blueprints for a "Perfect Working
Environment", detailing precisely how each person can contribute
effectively to a happy workplace. However we
can offer our personal insights, which we would like to share with all
those who are interested in creating and experiencing a positive work
environment.

Taking Responsibility

The following "Law of lack of responsibility" is taken from the
leaflet "The workbook on the psychological work environment"
("Arbejdesbog I psykisk arbejdesmiljø" in Danish). Note that it
is written ironically (a typically Danish form of humour) - you are
supposed to notice how ridiculous this "law" is.
The law of lack of responsibility

I have many rights, but no duties.

If I am not content then it is the fault of the government,
politicians, society or my employer.

I have many needs and abilities and it is my employers duty
to develop them and to keep me satisfied.

When there is a problem at work, it is the management's
responsibility to resolve it. I am merely an onlooker and no harm can
result from my jeering.

It is the management's responsibility to include me in their
decisions. I do not need to explain my position, or contribute to
discussions with constructive criticism or alternative proposals.
I am content with pointing out mistakes and shortfalls in their proposals.

I cannot feel safe unless I am effective. I have no duties that
require me to be effective, therefore I do not feel safe.

Uphold a polite and service-minded approach

Many of us are employed in service-type roles, frequently working
together with colleagues and students. Always speak clearly and
politely with co-workers to avoid misunderstandings and
miscommunication, and remember, a friendly and welcoming workplace
is far more pleasant than one where colleagues are irritable and
surly!

Respect other professional groups

In the workplace there are many different types of professional
and it is very easy to become involved in a tiresome
misunderstanding, simply because one doesn't understand the other
groups' role and function.

Respecting each groups work is an easy goal to achieve, if one takes a
little time to understand the different processes and functions.
Would taking part in a "practise day" in another department harm a new
employee, who has not been assigned a job title or function?

Take control of your tasks

To find where you waste time, it can be helpful to write a list of
your various tasks and make a note of how long each task takes. This
will help you identify any "black holes" and then to control or
contain them. Your job description can also be used as part of your
development process, which will help increase your confidence and
satisfaction at work.

Don't indulge in gossip

Small things can develop into conflict. Prevent conflicts and a
negative atmosphere by avoiding gossip. Gossip seldom has a positive
outcome.

All in all

There are many positive ideas for creating and maintaining a good
psychological work environment. Your Health and Safety Representative
has different leaflets available, which you are welcome to borrow if
you would like to read further into this subject.

Also visit "Sund Virksomhed" (Health Action), an action group
listed under "Gigtforeningen" (The Rheumatism Association").